As summer fades and the air turns crisp, there’s one event that all snowmobilers anticipate with uncontainable excitement: Sno-Baron’s Hay Days. Known as the official start of winter, it is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of the snowmobiling community and a beacon of stoke for the passionate ones. It’s the official kick-off of the snowmobile season! After dreaming of attending for many years, this year’s 57th edition marked my first time attending. From the moment I set foot onto the sprawling grounds, I knew this would not be my last. As both Denis and I got surprised by a picture of myself covering the back of the event’s pamphlet, I knew the event was going to be nothing short of magical and filled with opportunities.
A Magical Atmosphere: First Impressions of Hay Days
There’s a unique energy that fills the air during Hay Days—one that’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there yourself. From the roar of engines to the hum of excitement as attendees browse endless rows of vendors, the venue radiates with anticipation for the upcoming winter. It’s as if everyone is united by a shared, burning desire to see snow fall and to rev up their snowmobiles for that first ride.
Even though this was my first experience, the sense of camaraderie and connection was instant. I spent the weekend immersed in conversations with passionate snowmobilers, industry professionals, and fans. Everyone was eager to talk shop, share stories, and exchange tips for the season ahead. This entire event felt like a family reunion, where everyone had one thing in common—a love for the sport.
The sheer scale of this festival blew me away. The grounds stretched out as far as the eye could see! And it was packed with endless vendor booths, food stands, and entertainment. Thousands of people, all there for the same reason. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about being surrounded by people who “get it,” don’t you think? Other people who understand the rush of carving through powder in the backcountry, speeding on the trail or the satisfaction of maintaining a perfectly tuned sled.
By the end of the weekend, my heart was full. The conversations I had with industry leaders, fellow riders, and other newcomers made me appreciate the tight-knit snowmobiling community even more. It was clear to me that Hay Days is about more than just the machines—it’s about the people who live and breathe the sport.
A Shopper’s Paradise: Exploring the Massive Vendor area at Hay Days
One of the biggest draws of Hay Days is its massive vendor area. There, you can find just about anything snowmobile-related. This year, I found myself completely enthralled by the variety of gear and equipment on display. Whether you’re in the market for performance parts, vintage sled accessories, or the latest snowmobiling tech, the vendor booths have you covered. It’s like Christmas Morning for Snowmobilers.
Snowmobile Swap Meet : A Treasure Trove for Enthusiasts
For good-deal seekers with a soft spot for vintage snowmobile parts, this area felt like a treasure trove. Riders from all over the world set up shop to sell used gear, parts, and even whole snowmobiles. Maybe you’re looking to score a deal on a hard-to-find part. Or rather you’re hoping to add something unique to your collection! Regardless, the swap meet section has something for everyone.
I spent hours walking through the rows of vendors and swap tables. Well, I saw everything from retro snowmobile helmets to brand-new discounted performance gear. As a first-timer at Hay Days, it was overwhelming in the best possible way! The variety was endless! In hindsight, I wish I had made space in my luggage for picking up a few items to prepare for the upcoming season.
I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with vendors and learn more about their products. Combined with the haggle for a better price, it added an element of fun that made the shopping experience truly special.
Freestyle Shows and Grass Drags: Get Your Adrenaline Fix
For those who crave action and excitement, Hay Days delivers in spades. Programming includes freestyle shows, High Lifter mud runs and grass drag races. Even without snow, these events showcase the raw power and skill of snowmobile riders in a way that’s absolutely thrilling.
Freestyle Snowmobile Shows: A Spectacle of Skill and Power
The freestyle shows were a highlight for me. Watching professional riders launch themselves off massive ramps, performing gravity-defying flips and whips, was an adrenaline rush in itself. The crowd was electric! People would cheer as each rider pulled off trick after trick with precision and style. I couldn’t help but feel inspired watching them, imagining myself pulling off tricks on my own sled once the snow hits.
The Thrill of Grass Drags: A Highlight of Hay Days 2024
And then there were the grass drags. These races are a fan favourite for a good reason. Snowmobiles were roaring down the grass at top speeds. You could hear the engines screaming as riders battled it out for victory! It was a sight to behold. The energy from the crowd was infectious. Spectators were on the edge of their seats, rooting for their favourite participants. The sheer speed and power of the snowmobiles made the grass drags one of the most exhilarating parts of the weekend.
For anyone who’s got a bit of “redneck spirit” in them (I definitely do), the grass drags were pure entertainment. Denis and I spent time watching them from the VIP Yamaha and Ski-Doo sections where snacks and drinks were handed. There’s something about watching snowmobiles race across turf that’s both unexpected and thrilling. It’s a reminder that these machines are built for track speed. It was a fitting display of the versatility and power that snowmobilers love so much. I will make sure to watch the high lifter mud run next year, as we missed it this time around.
Building Connections That Matter With the Snowmobile Community
The events and activities at Hay Days are undeniably thrilling. But what really stood out to me as a first-timer was the people.
Media Press Conferences: A Sneak Peak at New Snowmobile Technologies
Through Denis, and SledMagazine, I had the honour to attend Media press conferences with the industry leaders. These were mostly about the release of their latest models and technologies. The fun designs on Polaris’ 70th Anniversary models and the Marlon Explore Pro 3 Sled-Deck were my favourite. Needless to say, I can’t wait to hop on the Arctic Cat 858 Catalyst and try it for myself. That beast looks “badass” and aggressive, just like my riding style!
The Snowmobile Community: Camaraderie at its Finest
Everywhere I turned, I found myself deep in conversation with professional riders, manufacturers, and industry experts. A few manufacturers I talked to shared their favourite Hay Days memories with me. I also met newcomers like myself who were just as awestruck by the scale of the event as I was.
Following Denis’ lead, I was most surprised at how easily we opened up conversations for collaborations and partnerships. We were bouncing ideas with some of the most influential brands in the industry. Of course, the conversations we had were invaluable. I walked away from Hay Days with a wealth of new knowledge, feeling prepared and excited for the upcoming season.
Hay Days: Fertile Grounds for Meaningful Connections
The sense of community was palpable. We all know that snowmobiling can be an individual sport at times. But at Hay Days, it becomes clear that it’s also a shared experience. The connections I made over the weekend—whether with old-timers or fellow first-timers—felt genuine and meaningful. It’s easy to see why so many people return to Hay Days year after year. It’s not just about the gear or the races; it’s about the people who share the same passion for the sport and their willingness to make it better, together!
The Start of a New Tradition: My Hay Days Journey
Attending Hay Days for the first time was an unforgettable experience. First, I remember the exhilarating freestyle shows and grass drags. And what about the hours I spent with vendors learning new things and sharing stories? Every moment was packed with excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. It’s no wonder that Sno-Baron’s Hay Days is known as the official season kick-off—because once you experience it, you can’t help but feel ready for the snow to fall. (I even started my “snow dance”!)
Looking Ahead: Looking Forward to Hay Days 2025?
As I left the event, I couldn’t help but think about how much I had learned, how many amazing people I had met, and how excited I was for winter to come. I know this was just the first of many Hay Days for me. The event truly lived up to its reputation and I’ll be counting down the days until I can return next year. This time, I’ll be better prepared and stoked for another incredible season of snowmobiling.
